Download Free S10 Password Vault – Secure your Usernames, Passwords

Popular guest writer Rick Robinette, has done it again! Rick, who has a knack for finding great free applications, introduces us to his latest find, S10 Password Vault. A password vault that will work with any program (that requires a username and password), and not just web site accounts.

What I have found, as a result of following the software circuit, is that oftentimes software (during its lifespan) can end up being over developed and bloated.  As a result, the end user becomes frustrated and drops the software in search for something more understandable and simpler. I have found that to be the case with many of the software applications that serve as password managers.

Recently, I was looking for an easy-to-use application to store my usernames and passwords and came across S10 Password Vault. Initially I was skeptical, since I had never heard of this application; however, after a test run I knew I was onto something good.

S10 Password Vault is FREE for personal use, can be run as a PORTABLE APP or a FULL INSTALL, is small in windows size, is  not cumbersome, will autotype the usernames and passwords for you, and will generate random passwords if need be.

The really “cool factor” to this password vault is that it will work with any program (that requires a username and password) and not just web site accounts.

Another thing I found, that I was in search for is, I can use it as a bookmark manager and program launcher, as well (even though it is touted as a password vault). This is especially useful on my flash drive. I commend the author, Sten Herlitz, for developing a really nice (easy-to-use) password vault that is feature enriched and developed with the end user in mind.

Master Password Screen

Folder Hierarchy Example

Account Editor

Features of S10 Password Vault:

Customizable folder/account hierarchy

Launching of websites and programs

Autotypes info in websites and programs

Account matching via window titles

Custom account information fields

Drag-and-drop support

System tray icon showing lock state

Quick unlock using partial password

Auto-start when Windows starts

Print capability and “View All” mode

Export URLs to browser Favorites

Compact program (647KB download)

Highly secure 256-bit AES encryption

Single file protected by master password

Optional key file on USB drive

Strong password generation

Foils malicious keyboard loggers

Auto-lock timeout and automatic file backup

Secure synchronization between PCs

Secure folder sharing with other users

A portable version runs on USB drive

Digitally signed – no spyware/adware

No browser plugins or toolbars

Central configuration for businesses

System requirements: Windows all (32 and 64 bit).

Download at: Developer’s site

Note: A portable version is also available.

This is a guest post by Rick Robinette, who brings a background as a security/police officer professional, and as an information technology specialist to the Blogging world.

Why not pay a visit to Rick’s site at What’s On My PC. Like me, you’re sure to become a frequent visitor.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Download Drag ‘n Crypt ULTRA – Easy File Encryption

Popular guest writer Rick Robinette, has a knack for finding great free applications – applications that make your computer experience smoother, safer and more interesting. See what Rick has to say about his most recent find – Drag ‘n Crypt ULTRA.

There are numerous file (and folder) encryption programs that are available to protect sensitive files on your computer; however, most people do not understand their purpose.

If you are carrying files around on a flash drive that are potentially sensitive in nature, OR maintaining sensitive files on a PC that is accessible by many people, OR storing sensitive files on the internet;  then it is important to protect the content of those files from prying eyes.

One way of doing that is through file encryption. Encryption software is designed to make your files unreadable (or accessible) to other people.  The encryption process usually prompts you to create a key (or password) prior to the software making the file(s) unreadable. As a result, in order to  make the file readable again (through a process called decryption) you must enter the password that you originally provided.

One of my favorite encryption programs, that is FREE, small in file size (< 200 KB), and is portable;  is Drag ‘n Crypt ULTRA.  The “cool factor” to this program is that when you launch the program, a small target (or drop zone) appears on your desktop (see below).

To encrypt a file (or folder), you simply drag the file (or folder) to the target (or drop zone) and drop it.  Drag ‘n Crypt Ultra will go to work automatically, prompt you for a password, and then create the encrypted file. As an added level of security, the source file is erased to prevent someone from restoring the file using data recovery software (which is especially easy on a flash drive).

To decrypt the file you simply drag the file you originally encrypted to the target (or drop zone), enter your password, and the file will be restored to its’ original condition.

If you right mouse click on the target (or drop zone), you also have the following options:

My two favorite options are “create file association” and “Use Context Menu”.  With the “file association” option activated you can open your encrypted files by simply mouse clicking on the file(s) and if you have the “context menu” option activated you can perform your file encryption operations through the Windows Explorer context menu, which is typically activated by a right mouse click on a file (or folder).

Overall, Drag ‘n Crypt is fast, offers decent protection ( Twofish coding algorithm) and does not require installation (can be carried and used on your flash drive). I especially use this program to protect files on my flash drive and to protect files that I store online.

System requirements: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Win 7  (32-Bit)

Download at: Developer’s site

This is a guest post by Rick Robinette, who brings a background as a security/police officer professional, and as an information technology specialist to the Blogging world.

Why not pay a visit to Rick’s site at What’s On My PC. Like me, you’re sure to become a frequent visitor.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Download Free FixWin – A One Click Windows Repair Kit

You just have to love Windows as an operating system – it makes it so easy to DO so many things. Often however, Windows does not make it easy to UNDO, or “fix” things. It’s not uncommon that attempting to undo things, does nothing more than create additional problems.

If you are familiar with working with Registry entries, you can fix virtually anything, but…..

So, if you’ve been looking for an easy way to fix issues such as, Win Explorer not starting at boot up, CD drive or DVD drive is missing or not being recognized by Windows, or other programs, or the Device Manager is not functioning correctly (not as uncommon as you might think), then the recently released FixWin freeware application, could be the perfect solution.

It’s important to note however, FixWin does NOT scan for problems. You, have to recognize that you have the problem – the application will then correct the problem, provided of course it is one of the 50 very common problems the application is designed to deal with.

The FixWin interface consists of 5 easy to work with tabs:

Windows Explorer

Internet & Connectivity

Windows Media

System Tools

Misc. Additional Fixes

How to use this application (from the developers):

We first suggest that you run the System File Checker Utility. The button provided on the Welcome page, will ‘run sfc /scannow‘ and will check for and replace any corrupted Windows system files. It is expected to take anywhere from 5-10 minutes. If asked to, do reboot.

Next we insist that you create a System Restore Point. The provided button will create one, called Safe Point. We always recommend that you create one before making any changes to your system. Should you wish or need too, you can always go back to this Safe Point.

Having done that, apply at most one fix at a time and restart your computer. Please check if things are to your satisfaction; and if not, you have the option of restoring back immediately.

Since this application does not require installation, it’s a perfect portable application to carry on your “tech tools” flash drive, for the times you get those inevitable calls from family, or friends – “Uh, I don’t know what I did, but….”

System requirements: Windows 7, Vista, (32-bit and 64-bit)

Download at: The Windows Club

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Need a Portable Application? – Take Your Pick

I’m old enough to still be amazed by technological advances – I’m like a small child when it comes to this. I doubt if I’ll ever lose this “starry eyed” view of technology. I certainly hope not.

I often think back to my first Hard Drive; which cost me $800 – 10 Megabytes with a seek time of 96 seconds. Yep, 10 Megabytes, not 10 Gigabytes. Today, a huge HD (two Terabytes), might set you back $150.

The USB Flash Drive has seen the same progression – massive increases in storage capabilities, coupled with giveaway prices. Not so long ago, my first flash drive ( 128 MB), cost me $50. Today, it’s easy to find a 4 GB flash drive for $5. I find that amazing!

The low cost of a flash drive gives us opportunities, in computing, that would have seemed like science fiction not long ago. Portable Apps Suite is a perfect example of these new opportunities.

With Portable Apps Suite, (free to use, free to copy, and free to share), you can carry your favorite portable computer programs with you on your USB flash drive, iPod, or portable hard drive, to school, work, or your hotel while you’re taking that much deserved vacation!

Portable Apps Suite allows you to play your media files, browse the net, compose documents, or check your email on the road. The applications can be used on any Windows computer, and on shut down, to insure your privacy, will not leave any traces on the host computer.

PAS is a collection of portable applications which includes, ClamWin Portable (antivirus), Mozilla Firefox Portable Edition (web browser), Gaim Portable (instant messaging), OpenOffice.org Portable (office suite) compatible with Microsoft Word files,

Sudoku Portable (puzzle game), Mozilla Sunbird Portable Edition (calendar/task manager) and Mozilla Thunderbird Portable Edition (email client), all preconfigured to work portably.

You can install any of three variations of Portable Apps Suite based on your preferences, or your USB drive’s capacity.

Standard Suite – All applications as noted above

Lite Suite – AbiWord Portable substituted for Open Office

Base Suite – Basic Menu Program – add only the applications you choose

All versions of the Portable Apps Suite include the integrated Portable Apps Menu and the Portable Apps Backup utility, along with a set of custom icons, auto play configuration, folders, and a quick start shortcut.

System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Wine under Linux/UNIX/BSD/Mac OS X

Download at: PortableApps.com

Additional free portable applications, at PortableApps.com.

Accessibility

• Firefox Accessibility Extension – Make Firefox more accessible
• On-Screen Keyboard Portable – Easily access an on-screen keyboard
• Virtual Magnifying Glass Portable – A full-featured screen magnifier

Development

• gVim Portable – advanced, feature-rich text editor
• Notepad++ Portable – A full-featured text editor with syntax highlighting
• NSIS Portable – Windows installer and launcher creation
• Nvu Portable & KompoZer Portable – The easy-to-use Nvu web editor
• PortableApps.com Installer – the easy way to package portable apps
• XAMPP – Apache, mySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin, etc in one package

Education

• BPBible Portable – bible study tool
• Celestia Portable – portable space simulator
• Stellarium Portable – portable planetarium

Games

• AssaultCube Portable – fast-paced, online, first-person shooter
• Atomic Tanks Portable – overly-powerful tanks blow each other up
• Canabalt Portable (Freeware) – outrun the demolition of your city with just one button
• DOSBox Portable – classic DOS games to go
• Frets on Fire Portable – rock out anywhere with this Guitar Hero™-style game
• Jooleem Portable – simple and addictive puzzle game with great music and visuals
• LBreakout2 Portable – breakout-style arcade game similar to Arkanoid
• Mines-Perfect Portable – a classic hunt-for-mines game with advanced features
• PokerTH Portable – classic Texas Hold Em style poker at its best
• Sudoku Portable – the wildly popular and addictive puzzle game
• The Mana World Portable – a free, 2D, retro-style MMORPG
• Tile World Portable – engaging and fast-paced tile-based puzzles
• Warzone 2100 Portable – single or online multiplayer real-time strategy game

Graphics & Pictures

• Blender Portable – 3D modelling, animation, rendering, post-production, playback
• Cornice Portable – image viewer with slideshow
• Dia Portable – full-featured diagramming tool
• IcoFX Portable (Freeware) – full-featured icon editor
• Inkscape Portable – vector graphics editor
• GIMP Portable – Photo and Image Editor
• XnView Portable (Freeware) – view, organize and convert photos

Internet

• aMSN Portable – chat and video chat on MSN/Windows Live
• DownThemAll! Extension (for Firefox) – download the files and images you want faster
• FileZilla Portable – the full-featured FTP client
• FireFTP Extension (for Firefox) – a lightweight extension
• Google Chrome Portable (Freeware) – fast, simple, themeable browser
• Miranda IM Portable – chat with AOL, MSN and Yahoo users in a customizable interface
• Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition – the award-winning web browser that’s safe and secure
• Mozilla Thunderbird, Portable Edition – the handy email client
• Nvu Portable & KompoZer Portable – the easy-to-use webpage editor
• Pidgin Portable – chat with AOL, MSN and Yahoo users in an easy-to-use interface
• PuTTY Portable – lightweight telnet and SSH client
• Sage Extension (for Firefox) – A full-featured RSS extension
• SeaMonkey, Portable Edition – complete internet suite (browser, email, chat, newsgroups)
• Skype Portable (Freeware) – instant messaging, video chat and phone calls
• µTorrent Portable (Freeware) – lightweight bittorrent client
• WinSCP Portable – SFTP, FTP and SCP client
• WinWGet Portable – take and manage your downloads on the go

Music & Video

• Audacity Portable – A simple audio editor and recorder
• BonkEnc Portable – extract, convert, and encode audio
• CoolPlayer+ Portable – Lightweight, fast, easy-to-use audio player
• DVDStyler Portable – DVD menu authoring tool
• MPlayer Portable – Full-featured movie player with support for most video formats
• Songbird Portable – Full-featured digital media library and player
• VirtualDub Portable – video processing and capture utility
• VLC Media Player Portable – An easy to use media player that plays most audio and video formats

Office

• AbiWord Portable – a lightweight word processor compatible with Microsoft Word files
• Dia Portable – full-featured diagramming tool
• Foxit Reader Portable (Freeware) – small and fast PDF reader
• GnuCash Portable – accounting, expenses and financial management
• Lightning Extension (for Thunderbird) – A lightweight extension for your calendar and tasks
• Mozilla Sunbird, Portable Edition – Calendar and task management with a familiar interface
• Mozilla Thunderbird, Portable Edition (Address Book) – Email client’s built-in address book with import/export functions
• OpenOffice.org Portable – word processor, spreadsheet, presentations with Microsoft compatibility
• PDFTK Builder Portable – split, collate, watermark and password protect PDF documents
• PNotes Portable – sticky notes to go
• SpeedCrunch Portable – an intuitive algebraic calculator
• Sumatra PDF Portable – a lightweight PDF viewer
• Task Coach Portable – to do list and task manager

Operating Systems

• Mac-on-Stick (Freeware) – Run Mac OS Classic 7 portably

Utilities

• 2X Client Portable (Freeware) – remote server and RDP access client
• 7-Zip Portable – File archiver and compressor
• ClamWin Portable – Antivirus on the go
• Command Prompt Portable – Simple link to a customizable command prompt
• ConvertAll Portable – convert units of measurement
• Eraser Portable – securely delete files and data
• EraserDrop Portable – easily secure-erase files and data
• FreeCommander Portable (Freeware) – easy-to-use windows file manager
• InfraRecorder Portable – full-featured CD and DVD burner
• Java Portable (Freeware) – Work with Java apps portably
• Java Portable Launcher – Run Java JARs portably
• JkDefrag Portable – Disk defragmentation and optimization
• KeePass Password Safe Portable – Secure, easy-to-use password manager
• Lightscreen Portable – easy to use screenshot tool
• PeaZip Portable – Easy to use file archiver and compressor
• PortableApps.com AppCompactor – shrink apps without affecting functionality
• PortableApps.com Backup – integrated backup utility bundled with the platform
• PortableApps.com Menu – integrated start menu bundled with the platform
• SpyDLLRemover Portable (Freeware) – Spyware DLL detection and removal
• TeamViewer Portable (Freeware) – remote PC support and screen-sharing
• Toucan – backup, sync and encrypt for advanced users
• WinDirStat Portable – disk usage analyzer and cleanup tool
• winMd5Sum Portable – check md5 sums to verify files on the go
• WinMerge Portable – file comparison and merging
• Xenon File Manager Portable – portable file browser

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USBThief – Making it Easy for Cyber Criminal Wannabes

With access to your passwords, cyber-criminals (they come in all shapes, sizes and flavors – so don’t be fooled), can and will, steal your identity and without a doubt severely compromise your financial security. Stolen passwords have the potential to cause serious havoc in your life.

There are numerous ways of course that a password can be stolen. Popular methods employed by cyber criminals include, but are not limited to:

Email scams: Email scams work because the Cyber-crooks responsible use social engineering as the hook; in other words they exploit our curiosity to start the process of infecting unaware computer users’ machines

Search engine redirection: Cyber-crooks continue to be unrelenting in their chase to infect web search results, seeding malicious websites among the top results returned by these engines. Malware, including password stealers can be installed on a computer simply by visiting a site.

Drive-by downloads: Drive-by downloads are not new; they’ve been lurking around for years it seems, but they’ve become much more common recently. They are crafted to automatically download and install malware including password stealers on your computer without your knowledge.

Added to the burden we already carry in protecting our computers, our private personal information, and our confidential financial information, we now have to be careful, and perhaps even suspicious of our friends, or for that matter anyone, who inserts a USB drive including MP3 players, such as a iPod, into a USB port on our computer.

USBThief is a free hacking application – available for download on virtually every torrent download site that I investigated – which can be installed on a USB flash drive, or even an iPod, or other MP3 player.

I haven’t tried (yet), to install this on a Digital Camera, but I suspect (with some modification), that it can be done. Consider how often a friend, or family member, has connected any one of these peripherals to your machine.

USBThief has been designed and crafted with only one purpose in mind, and that is to steal both the passwords, and software keys, on the duped party’s computer.

There is no requirement that the culprit is a seasoned hacker – all that’s needed is that an ethically challenged individual download the program; decompress the archive and put all the files located in the folder “USBThief” onto a USB drive.

After connecting and removing the tweaked USB drive from the victim’s computer, the cyber-criminal simply views the dump folder to view the captured information.

Learning to use this application is an absolute “no brainer” – there are multiple sites on the Internet offering tutorials (including video tutorials), in the use of  USBThief.

Here’s a little blurb from a hacking site:

1.Insert the USB in your victim’s computer.

2.View folder “dump” to see the passwords. It also makes a second dump folder in the batexe folder. Tested and Working perfectly!

I have not written this article to produce paranoia, or to make you suspicious of either your family, or your friends, but so that you are aware of the ever increasing challenges we all face in protecting valuable information in a world that threatens us, at every turn it seems.

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Monitor Your Computer with Free WinPatrol To Go

We all have our list of indispensible programs that we must have on our computers, I suspect. WinPatrol, a neat system utility that monitors system areas that malicious programs must attack and use, makes my list every time – just as it has for years.

The free version of this highly regarded application doesn’t stop there though. With WinPatrol, in your system tray, you can monitor your system, startup programs, services, cookies and current tasks. If anything changes, Scotty (the system tray Icon) will alert you. Taking it one step further; WinPatrol allows you to terminate processes and enable, or disable, startup programs.

WinPatrol’s user interface couldn’t be any simpler. New users should have no difficulty following this self explanatory layout.

Now BillP Studios (the developer), has released WinPatrolToGo; a stand-alone portable version of WinPatrol which is intended to be to run from a USB flash drive. WinPatrolToGo runs without leaving any left over files, or registry entries.

Download WinPatrolToGo directly to your USB Flash and you’re good to go! I know many of you are the “go to guy” when it comes to computer issues for family and friends, so having WinPatrolToGo in your toolbox will be a definite plus.

Fast facts:

Remove Un-Wanted Auto Start applications.

Disable Un-Needed Automatic Windows Services

Remove Annoying Toolbars and BHO’s

Create Reports that provide a snapshot of potential problems

Disable ActiveX Controls & MORE!

Compatible with Windows 95 – Windows 7 (including x64 systems).

There are a host of additional features that make WinPatrol a very powerful addition to your security toolbox.

Take a look at the following from the developer’s site:

Enhanced Keylogger Detection

The use of keyloggers for illegal purposes has exploded. A Schenectady man was recently jailed for up to three years for felony eavesdropping after putting a keylogger on his wife’s computer. I’ve heard too many stories of abuse made possible due to keyloggers so it’s time for it to stop. While WinPatrol PLUS had always detected keyloggers we’ve enhanced this feature and it’s now available to free users so everyone is protected.

Optimized Detection of New Services

As more and more programs move to the Windows Service model it become apparent that this may be a popular avenue of attack in the future. The routine used to monitor and detect new Window Services has been optimized to make this process transparent.

Decrease CPU Usage and Conflicts

Conflicts with some other registry intense programs may have resulted in abnormally high CPU usage on past versions. WinPatrol 14 includes some intelligent routines to allow complete protection without fighting over resources with other security suites and system level programs.

Default -expressboot option

WinPatrol now includes a -expressboot option which will be used when machines boot up for the first time. This new feature optimizes boot time and allows other applications to maximize their initialization routines.

Regular Registry Cleanup

Some registry cleaners have complained that we don’t clean up some data stored in the registry quickly enough. This version will remove information that is no longer needed and “First Detected” information on a regular basic when the file no longer exists.

I have been using this free gem for years, and it just gets better with every release!

System requirements: Windows 95 through to Windows 7 (including x64 systems).

Download at: BillP Studios

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Two Free Apps to Encrypt Your USB Drive

You can call it a Flash Drive, a USB Key, a USB drive, a Keychain drive, or a USB stick. Whatever you call it, you are referring to a small plastic case which contains a circuit board and a USB connector.

Instead of the now obsolete floppy disk (new machines generally don’t have a floppy drive), USB flash drives have become the standard for transporting applications, personal files, documents, pictures, videos, music and so on.

Since USB drives are so portable, you can take a drive virtually anywhere. Just like most items that are portable and that you carry with you, this type of drive can be lost (I’ve personally lost two), or stolen.

If you should lose a USB drive, through happenstance or theft, you need to be sure that any confidential information on the drive cannot be read, and the way to do that is to encrypt your data.

Here are a number of free encryption applications that will encrypt your data, and are suitable for a USB flash drive.

EncryptOnClick

EncryptOnClick is a free program that lets you securely encrypt and decrypt files. The program is very simple to use, and features military grade 256-bit AES encryption.

After you have launched the application, simply select the target file/folder you want to encrypt.

Following the easy interface, type a password for that file/folder which will then be encrypted. To open the encrypted file/folder at a later date, you must type the correct password.

Fast facts:

A very secure encryption and decryption method is used (256-bit AES encryption)

Files are both compressed & encrypted, which results in a smaller file

Password protected

Will encrypt single files or all files in a folder

Very simple to use interface

Can be used on a USB key

Fully Unicode enabled so filenames in any language can be encrypted

Will encrypt, decrypt, compress, and uncompress files which can also be opened and decrypted using third party programs like WinZip 9 – provided the correct password is used

Will detect if you’re decrypting a file that is in a temporary folder, and if so, will prompt you to see if you would like to decrypt it into a different folder

Command line parameters can be used

Complete help file

Free technical support, online forums, knowledge base, and FAQs at 2BrightSparks

Tip: Use on a USB key by copying the files EncryptOnClick.exe, EncryptOnClick.exe manifest, ExceedZip.dll to a named folder on the USB key.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista (64 bit)

Download at: SnapFiles

TrueCrypt

TrueCrypt (updated November 23, 2009), is an outstanding free open source software system, (one I have using for the last several years) for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume.

On-the-fly encryption simply means that data are automatically encrypted or decrypted just before they are loaded or saved, without any user intervention. No data stored on an encrypted volume can be read (decrypted) without using the correct password/correct encryption keys.

TrueCrypt uses 11 algorithms for encrypting private files in a password-protected volume. You can store your encrypted data in files, partitions, or a portable storage device such as a USB flash drive.

Once your encrypted files are mounted to a local drive with your password or key, you can manipulate those files, i.e. you can open, copy, delete, or modify them. When you have completed working on those files, you then dismount the volume and the files are then safely secured from unauthorized access.

Fast Facts:

Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk

Encrypts an entire hard disk partition or a storage device such as USB flash drive

Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent

Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password – Hidden volume – No TrueCrypt volume can be identified – volumes cannot be distinguished from random data

Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS

Ability to encrypt a system partition/drive (i.e. a partition/drive where Windows is installed) with pre-boot authentication (anyone who wants to gain access and use the system, read and write files, etc., needs to enter the correct password each time before the system starts

System Requirements: Windows 7/Vista/XP (64 bit), Mac OS X, and Linux

Download at: TrueCrypt

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Free Windows 7 in a Box – Access Win 7’s Features, Settings, Programs, and Tools Instantly

Drilling down through multiple layers of Windows menus to get to where you want to be, can be frustrating and time consuming.

Often, when I’m doing just that, I find myself muttering “there’s gotta be a better way” – and there is. Windows 7 in a Box, a very neat free system utility, has been designed to do away with this seemingly endless drilling.

Instead of hunting through countless menus and submenus, Windows 7 in a Box, provides easy access to hundreds of tools, functions, settings, folders and applications, available in Windows 7.

New and casual users, will love using this application. In one place, they will now have access to parts of the system that they might otherwise not have been aware of.

The interface is simple and intuitive, with little, if any, learning curve involved. The user simply activates a pull-down menu and selects the appropriate function.

The following graphics illustrate just how easy and functional Windows 7 in a Box can be:

Since Windows 7 in a Box does not require installation, it can easily be run from a USB drive as a portable application.

System requirements: Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit).

Note: While I haven’t tested this application in Vista, I understand that it does run perfectly well in that OS.

Download at: Download.com

A similar free application, designed specifically for Windows XP (Windows in a Box 2.0), is available.

Download at: Download.com

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Download Predator – Lock Your PC with a USB Key

We’ve all heard it – “can I use your PC for just a minute?” My answer to this seemingly innocent question is always a resounding “NO”, usually followed by “not a chance”, “you must be kidding” ………. .

Sounds unreasonable, right? Well, it might sound unreasonable, but is it really?

I spend weeks, tweaking and massaging my PCs so that I get just the kind of response I need, and I’ve learned the hard way that some, or all, of what I’ve done, can be undone – by a ham-fisted “guest”.

As well, since my PCs, just like yours I suspect, contain personal and confidential information, I have no intention of allowing unauthorized access either accidentally, or by design.

Until recently, I’ve used the old Windows standby – Windows Key + L, to lock my PC. That is, until I came across a freeware application, Predator (last update October 31, 2009), which locks a PC, even if the Windows session is still open.

Fast facts:

Insert the USB drive.

Run Predator (autostart with Windows is possible),

When you’re away from your PC, you simply remove the USB drive.

Once removed, the keyboard and mouse are disabled and the screen darkens.

When you return to your PC, insert the USB flash.

The keyboard and mouse are immediately released, and the display is restored.

You can protect several PCs with the same USB flash drive, e.g. your home and office computers.

What really convinced me to use this neat tool are the advanced security features which are included in Predator.

Security features:

Records all security-related events in a log file: start, alarms, stop. By reading this log, you will know if intruders have tried to use your computer while you have been away.

Frequently changes the security codes recorded on your USB drive. If an intruder manages to copy your stick, this copy will not work because the codes on your own stick will have changed in the meantime.

Disables the Windows task manager when you unplug the USB drive. Nobody can stop it with Ctrl-Alt-Del.

Lets you regain control of your computer if you lose your stick: when you start the software for the first time, you set a password that will unlock your session if your USB drive is not available.

Can sound an audible alarm if somebody enters an invalid password.

Running Predator for the first time:

Launch the software via the Start Menu / All Programs / Predator item or via the Predator icon on the Desktop

A dialog box will ask you to enter a password and to prepare a USB flash drive:

Insert your USB drive and click OK to continue.

Note: the current contents of your flash drive will be unchanged by this operation. Files on your USB drive will not be deleted nor modified in any way.

You will then see the Preferences window:

Type the password of your choice in the “New Password” field. You will use it to unlock your session if you lose your USB key.

You must enter at least 6 characters, letters, figures or signs. The password is case sensitive (uppercase and lowercase letters are different).

Check that the drive letter displayed under “USB key drive” actually matches your flash drive or choose the correct letter from the dropdown list.

Click the “Create key” button

Finally, click “Ok”

If you have a need to lock your PC when you are away from your desk, this free application will give you that sense of security you have been looking for.

System requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit).

Download at: Developers site

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Comodo System Cleaner – The Free “Swiss Army Knife” of System Cleaners

Calling this free application “a system cleaner” is more than a slight understatement – it’s a bit more “Swiss Army Knife” than that. The inclusion of a System Tweaker, AutoRun Manager, and File Wipe module, takes this application out of the “run of the mill” category.

After considerable testing, and retesting, I gave Comodo System Cleaner a big “thumbs up”.

Fast facts:

Registry Cleaner – Optimizes and repairs your Windows registry by running an in-depth scan to remove, or repair, unnecessary or corrupted registry keys.

Disk Cleaner – This utility lets you quickly clear them all, to free up space and improve performance. Also allows you to schedule regular clean up routines.

Privacy Cleaner – Obliterates your digital paper trail and helps protect you from identity theft by cleaning history, cache, cookies and usage records from Internet browsers, Windows locations, and popular software.

System Settings – With over 50 tweaks in the ‘System Settings’ area alone, you can optimize Windows behavior in a more powerful and intuitive way than ever before.

System Information – Detailed and easily accessible ‘dashboard’ summary of all the hardware and software installed on your computer.

Autorun Manager – Fingertip control over exactly which programs and services start with Windows. Helps improve Windows boot up time, stops unwanted programs from hogging system resources and boosts overall system performance and stability.

File Pending Delete – Provides the ability to delete files that are locked and cannot otherwise be deleted when in Windows ‘User Mode’. Specifying a file with the ‘File Pend Delete’ tool will schedule that file to be deleted immediately after the next system restart.

File Wiper – Allows you to permanently remove confidential or sensitive files from your hard drive. When you ‘delete’ a file in Windows, you are really only removing the reference to that file from the system table. The file itself remains on your drive and could be easily re-opened by data thieves. ‘File Wiper’ ensures that the files you want to delete are comprehensively erased and cannot be recovered.

Free – for both home and business users.

I’m a big fan of “all-in-one” system utilities and I have to admit, I really liked this all-in-one free application, with its simple and effective user interface. I particularly liked the easy access the user interface allows to Windows system settings (even on my Windows 7 machine), which makes tweaking the OS a snap.

As the fast facts point out, this application has a wide range of built in system utilities, which in my view, are perfect for the new, or casual computer user. I should point out however; the built in registry cleaner, just like all registry cleaners, should be used cautiously.

Here’s why – despite the fact that the registry cleaner has a neat feature; it will restart your machine to test if the registry removal will adversely affect your system, on my first test run, this module screwed up my game settings.

I’m not blaming the module. It was my own fault, since I did not exercise proper caution. Just goes to show you – even geeks can be careless! It was not a big deal to recover but……….

What makes this free application even more interesting is; it’s available as a portable program which can easily be run from a USB drive. Great for geeks!

Comodo provides a comparison chart, on their site, which illustrates the differences between their application and the competition, which you may find interesting.

When I need that weekly deep cleaning, or I need additional system access, Comodo System Cleaner has become my “go to” application.

For everyday routine cleaning, I’ll continue to use Ccleaner since it’s FAST and really, it’s so simple, that it’s a bit of a “no brainer”.

Recommendation: I’m a big fan of Comodo’s products, including their free Firewall and AntiVirus software. So I was expecting big things from Comodo System Cleaner, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Comodo System Cleaner is definitely worth considering as an addition to your system utilities toolbox. If you’re building a portable “tech tools” flash drive, this application is a worthy addition.

System requirements: Windows Vista – 32 and 64 bit, XP – 32 and 64 bit, Windows 7.0 – 32 and 64 bit, Server 2003 – 32 and 64 bit

Download at: Comodo

Portable version – (supports both 32 bit and 64 bit systems), download at: Comodo

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